Commercial pilots may be highly skilled professionals responsible for managing large aircraft and flying hundreds of passengers each day, but they’re not immune to the same risks as other humans. 

Pilots, like anyone else, can experience illness, injuries, or life-threatening emergency on flights.

Though this may seem like a terrifying scenario for those outside of the cockpit, procedures are in place to ensure safe passage for all onboard. 

Though it’s extremely uncommon for pilots to pass away mid-flight, there is a small chance it can occur, such as the case of a commercial pilot who died last year. 

Ilcehin Pehlivan, 59, passed away after collapsing mid-flight on a Turkish Airlines jet in October 2024. 

The Airbus 350, which had taken off from the western US coastal city of Seattle bound for Istanbul, was forced to make an emergency landing in New York.

Mr Pehlivan, who had worked for Turkish Airlines since 2007, had passed a medical examination in March, according to Ustun, who said there had been no indication of any health problems. 

This is one of the many unfortunate – and, granted, terrifying – scenarios pilots and cabin crew are fortunately trained to deal with. 

Pilots can experience illness, injuries, or life-threatening emergency on flights – and though this may seem like a terrifying scenario for those outside of the cockpit, procedures are in place to ensure safe passage for all onboard

Firstly, pilots must pass strict health requirements and ensure they are physically and mentally fit before they fly.

To qualify for a Class 1 Medical Certificate, required for commercial pilots, they must undergo tests for vision, hearing, cardiovascular health, and general health, including blood tests, according to Aviation Job Search. 

Depending on a pilot’s age, this certificate is valid for up to twelve months, but they are also required to visit a doctor for regular tests, manage their weight and are prohibited from abusing substances. 

In addition, medical examiners in the aviation field regularly assess a pilot’s mental state, looking for signs of psychological conditions that could impair their ability to fly. 

According to SkyWest Airlines captain, Adam Cohen, as reported by Travel + Leisure, some carriers will even assess their pilots’ health prior to each flight. 

While it’s not an exhaustive guide, the FAA’s pre-flight health checklist for pilots is called the IMSAFE Checklist, which stands for: Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, and Emotion.

If the pilot feels out of sorts in any category, or that they’ve been affected by alcohol consumption or medication, they are advised to refrain from flying and urged to visit their doctor.  

In the case a pilot becomes ill or faces a medical emergency during a flight, their co-pilot is required to immediately take over all flying responsibilities, declare an emergency and follow standard operating procedures.

In the case a pilot becomes ill or faces a medical emergency during a flight, their co-pilot is required to immediately take over all flying responsibilities

This often involves diverting to the nearest suitable airport for an emergency landing. 

Flight attendants are also trained to assist in medical emergencies and help with tasks such as administering first aid or contacting medical professionals through airline support services. 

While flight crews are trained in first aid and CPR, they may lack the specific knowledge or resources to handle more serious situations until the flight lands, which commonly results in passengers in the medical field being asked to assist.

The Medical Assistance Act, passed in 1998, protects medical professionals from being sued for providing care in ‘good faith’ in the event of an emergency – though this only applies to domestic flights in the United States. 

On international flights, or if alcohol has been consumed, passengers in the medical field could be liable for misconduct or negligence if they volunteer their services, so it’s worth reading up on regulations before travelling.